Maria Luisa Fowler

Maria Luisa (Munoz) Fowler, 99, passed peacefully into eternity on April 21, 2021. Her husband, Bobbie Lee Fowler, preceded her in death in 1960. She was left alone to raise her three young children, who now survive her, Carmen Wilcox (Larry), Geoffrey Fowler (Ron Szarenski), and Bradley Fowler (Jeannine). From her children came five grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Gabriel Wilcox (Carey), Brett Wilcox (Amanda), Ross Wilcox (Sarah), Maria Pirner (Derek), Camille Fowler and Kaylei Wilcox, Beau Wilcox, Kayden Wilcox, and Madeline Wilcox. She is also survived by her stepson, Terry Fowler (Cheryl) and her nephew Lewis Weinberg (Renee). Luisa as born in Vina del Mar, Chile to her parents, Pedro and Maria Luisa Munoz, and a family of nine siblings. Her father was converted to Protestantism by a missionary from California. She was very proud of her father as he became ordained and built the first Protestant church in Curico, Chile, where he preached for many years. After attending nurses’ training at the University of Chile, Luisa came to New York in 1950 to visit her brother, Dr. Pedro Munoz, Jr., and finished her training at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. After graduating, she moved to Sioux City, Ia., to begin her nursing career and there met her future husband at a New Years Eve dance. However, Bob’s early death forced her to work six days a week to provide for her young family. This unexpected experience developed a mantra that she passed on to her children – “Get your education because life brings surprises.” Fortunately, Luisa enjoyed much support and love from her Fowler relatives through the years. As her children grew she was always at every event they participated in at the local school, consequently she was asked in later life to be Parade Marshall for homecoming, much to her joy. She earned her citizenship in 1971, undoubtedly, one of her greatest sources of pride. Luisa dedicated her nursing career to St. Vincent (currently Mercy Medical) in Sioux City, Iowa, retiring in 1983. Although her career as an RN was very important, it was her family that always came before. She will always be remembered as a treasure to them and an example of a life lived first for her Jesus, then her family, then her friends, and for pride in her beloved Chile and United States of America. A private family service will be held honoring Luisa on Friday, May 7th. All memorials will be given to the Elk Point-Jefferson Booster Clubs. Condolences may be posted online to www.koberfuneralhome.com.